Travel news: the best deals and destinations

enjoys Laotian luxury, relives a classic novel, hits the slopes and enjoys drive and cruise deals.

LUXE LAOS

Sofitel

Luang Prabang has opened in Laos in the fully restored, century-old UNESCOPROTECTED former Governor’s mansion. Surrounded by lush gardens, the 25 suites, each with a private garden, bath or private pool, nurture old-world nostalgia with all the trimmings. Enjoy a complimentary spa treatment when you stay two nights or more in a Garden Suite, with rates starting at $258 per night. O er valid until September 30. Visit accorhotels.com.

Ski Canada

Hit Canada’s Big White Ski Resort slopes with Travel Managers’ Australian 2017 ski tour. Open to families – two adults and two children aged five-12 years – it includes return airport transfers, seven nights in a deluxe apartment, six-day lift pass, four aprés-ski evenings and a sleigh ride dinner. From $7499 per family, the tour departs January 2, 9 and 16, 2017. Book by July 31 to receive two free additional nights. Visit travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/kimmason.

Kangaroo deal

Hop to South Australia’s stunning Kangaroo Island and stay four nights for the price of three with Sea Link’s selfdrive deal, starting from $304 per person. It includes return ferry travel with your own car from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, four nights’ accommodation for the price of three at Emu Bay Holiday Homes and island discount vouchers. Valid for travel to September 15, 2016. Visit sealink.com.au.

NT dreaming

Heading to the Northern Territory? Don’t miss the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge, one of Australia’s natural wonders. For $159.50 per person, guests can sip on sparkling wine while enjoying a threecourse meal with treats such as wild NT barramundi fillet and local king prawns, as they drift by sandstone cli s. Visit nitmiluktours.com.au.

Deep South adventure

Love Gone With The Wind? To celebrate the novel’s 80th birthday, join Insight Vacations’ eight-day US Luxury Gold Southern Glamour tour on September 9, 2016. It explores the South, including Atlanta, the setting for Margaret Mitchell’s novel, as well as the plantation mansions of Savannah. Starts from $4350 per person (land only, twin share). Visit insightvacations.com.

CRUISE EUROPE

Scenic has launched its 2017 Europe River Cruising program with great Earlybird o ers, such as included flights to Europe, fly from $995 per person, economy-business class flight combos and business class from $3995 per person. Book by September 30, 2016 for the best o er. Visit scenic.com.au.